When the world is in crisis, revival will come

With the threat of war, the impact of climate change and the turbulence of politics, it can be easy to feel disheartened. But Church history shows that crisis always precedes renewal, says Mark Sayers

We’re experiencing a period of tremendous crisis on multiple levels. But often, in moments of desperation, people turn to prayer, longing for God to move. When people realise that they have come to the end of their abilities, that’s where God’s abilities begin.

When the cultural stories that can sometimes enable people to live without God begin to fall, people turn to the Church - and the Church grows. This is the beginning of renewal. When the Church begins to press in, God starts to do things. People become more devoted in their faith; they become more engaged.